Stockholm, 26/03/2001 (Agence Europe) - At the European Council of Stockholm, the Heads of state and Government of the European Union approved the following declaration:
"To President Trajkovski and the FYROM government,
- we reaffirm our solidarity with you in the current crisis and urge you to continue to respond with restraint. Every effort should be made to prevent an escalation of military activity. We support the sovereignty and territorial integrity of FYROM and the inviolability of borders in conformity with OSCE principles. We are determined to pursue our efforts collectively and individually in close co-operation with NATO to help the authorities to cope with the present situation. It is essential to strengthen control over the FYROM Kosovo border. We welcome the provision of advice and support by member states including in the security field;
- effective internal political reforms and consolidation of a true multiethnic society are indispensable. We stand ready to assist in this process in FYROM within the framework of the considerable assistance which the European Union is giving already to FYROM. This includes border management projects; support for refugees; help with local government throughout the country, including a municipal - level infrastructure improvement programme; work in the field of minority rights, including substantial contributions to the new south-east Europe University at Tetovo; help with judicial reform and training, including emphasis on minority rights; and help with the forthcoming census.
To the leaders of the ethnic Albanian community in FYROM, we demand your continued commitment to the democratic process, to the renunciation of violence and to dialogue, and urge you to hold to this commitment in pursuing your legitimate aspirations to consolidate FYROM's multiethnic society.
To the Albanian political leaders in Kosovo, we call on you to continue to dissociate yourselves unambiguously from the extremists, to condemn violence unconditionally, and to respect the principle of the inviolability of borders, as the Albanian government has done. We welcome its strong stand.
To all those who defy international legality, you discredit the cause of improving the condition of your people which you claim to promote.
The European Union decided at the Zagreb Summit that FYROM will be the first state of the region to be linked to the European Union through the Stabilisation and Association Agreement which will be signed on 9 April.
The European Union welcomes the adoption of UNSCR 1345. The European Union's objectives are fully reflected in this resolution. At the time when new perspectives for the region are opening up, we reaffirm strongly that there is no future in our Europe for those who follow the path of intolerance, nationalism and violence. The Union will not give assistance to those who take this course. We will only support those who choose clearly peace, democracy reconciliation and regional co-operation."